The central Illinois town of Monticello received a burst of Hollywood this summer as the cast and crew of Chili Finger settled in to capture the quaint charm of this quiet little town.
Chili Finger, a dark comedy-thriller, co-directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad, and starring John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Judy Greer, and Sean Astin, is inspired by the infamous “chili finger” urban legend. The film follows a middle-aged empty-nester (Greer) who discovers a human finger in her fast-food chili. She uses it to extort the restaurant, only to find herself caught in a wild and escalating web of trouble.
While production took place for over a month across Central Illinois, Monticello emerged as a key location, with scenes filmed in the town’s historic downtown and surrounding areas, including a shuttered Hardee’s on North Market Street. The building was transformed into a diner named Blake Junior’s, complete with custom signage, and a giant image of John Goodman’s face. The sign makes it apparent that Goodman is playing the restaurant owner at the center of the plot.
The presence of a major film production turned the small town into a temporary movie hub, drawing lots of attention and curiosity from residents. Local businesses—from cafés and grocery stores to hotels—enjoyed the surge in activity, while locals were thrilled to see the cast and crew shop, eat, and stay in town. City officials and business owners alike have praised the production for its organization, professionalism, and the boost it brought to the community.
The film is expected to premiere in early 2026, and as for Monticello, it could mean more than just a name in the credits. As one of Illinois’ hidden gems, the town now finds itself on the cinematic map.
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